THE BALLOON ARTIST

For many years, I was a clown traveling and performing with an infamous circus company. I enjoyed sparking smiles and laughs. However, as the years passed, the audiences became bigger and my connection with the show guests became smaller. So, I left the circus life to perform at children's birthday parties and the occasional adult birthday party. While working at birthday parties, I unexpectedly discovered my hidden talent: amusing children and adults alike with my carefully crafted balloon art. I brought to life the impossible: lush landscapes, gorgeous galaxies, and fantastical dreamscapes. The news of my balloon art masterpieces slowly drifted, like one of my lofty balloons, into the ears of people. People watched with wonder while I created my balloon art. In turn, I loved sneaking peeks at people’s smiles. I felt as ethereal as my creations. So, I stopped clowning around and became a balloon artist. I opened my balloon art gallery. From time to time, I travel around the world, showcasing my new balloon art creations and meeting other balloon art enthusiasts. To this day, many of my friends and family think I am full of hot air when I passionately talk about balloon art. They’re wrong. I am full of fiery passion.

THE CAT’S POETRY MANUSCRIPT

I’ve been working on my latest poetry manuscript. It’s been challenging. Day and night, I stare out the window seeking a savior to save me from my writer’s block. One night during my regularly scheduled staring, I saw a shooting star. I quickly closed my eyes, held my breath, and wished to be a cat. Cats are curious creatures. Having abundant curiosity was good, right? When I opened my eyes, I was a cat. I had a new lease on life. I rushed to return to my laptop. However, there was a technical issue. I had trouble typing with my cat paws. Though, it’s a small sacrifice in exchange for the ceaseless curiosity. Sure, most of my manuscript might be mistaken for muck, but it’s not. Trust me. They’re simply typos. And, sure, I spend my days and nights sleeping, but rest is needed to restore the mind. But believe me, I’ll finish my manuscript. Right after I chase the sunbeams, chirp at the birds, and take another power nap.

THE COCKROACH

Everyone stereotypes cockroaches as being dirty, diseased, and disgusting. I’m the exact opposite. And I know many other cockroaches like me. We don’t live off leftover foods. We don’t leech off others. We make an honest living. We contribute in many meaningful ways to the world. I’m actually a writer and a champion of cockroach culture and history. It’s a tough gig with terrible pay, but it comes with decent medical insurance. It’s an honest, respectable living. I educate folks about cockroach culture and history when I can but like I said, it’s a difficult job. No one’s convinced that we’re more than our portrayal in those Raid ads. But let me buy you a meal and let’s mingle. I know the original owner of the best roach coach food truck in town!

Double Yolk extends gratitude to Roi Fainéant Literary Press for first publishing “The Balloon Artist”.